Friday, December 28, 2012

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Today's 26 mile post Christmas day ride was grey and cold. I got out early to beat the impending storm. The Ice T seemed like the right vehicle for such a day. The fairing for wind and cold and trike stability for those ice patches along the road. Today was probably my coldest ride of the year and in-spite of the fairing my toes were still frozen. Today's ride did not give me that warm fuzzy feeling like on a beautiful Spring day. It was, however, better than staying home and adding more Winter Fur.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Sunday, December 23, 2012

It's kind of slow right now between Winter and the Holidays. It's hard to get excited about cycling, unless, of course, there is something under the tree. You have to check the weather forecast to see what kind of layering you will need. Looking like a Nomad is against my Grant Peterson, "Just Ride", philosophy. Winter is here and not much you can do about it. The good news is the Winter solstice is over and the days are getting longer.
KEEP RIDING!!!

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

The last 2 days of rain proved frustrating. I needed just 38 more miles to reach my goal. Today I got the break I needed and hit 6,000 miles. The most miles I have ever done in 1 year. To celebrate I bought myself some Bling.

Saturday, December 8, 2012

I had some morning errands to run. Not being a nice day I thought I could get away with an additional 15 miles. I could survive should the weather change for the worse. I rode my old favorite loop when 15 miles seemed like a long ride. The Greenway is a great bike to take out on a not so great day. It's massive presence and handicapped like appearance get cars respect. Fairing and fenders provide great protection. It's 3 point stance and new tires make for a stable wobble free ride. My homemade dry-box works great for easy access to my phone. It was just nice to not have to think.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

I know it was only a couple of months ago that I put on those orange tires. Although they added some serious bling they had a dark side. The bright orange tires distracted from the frame. It made the bike look like a giant Cinderella pumpkin coach instead of the serious ride that it is. The voluminous air made for a very soft plush ride but at the expense of handling. The bike had a tendency to roll on turns and become less stable. It catapulted over bumps like a Moon-buggy. I wanted an all around tire that was durable but not a tank. I came across the Continental Contact 11 Reflex. It came in a 1.75 which seemed like the perfect size. It also came in both a 20 and 26 size, so everything matched. What attracted me was Continental's statement

Fast, safe and comfortable - guaranteed !
The Contact's have a nice supple ride with good tread and flat protection. The black tires with reflective side walls against the orange frame looks great. I adjusted all the fenders so they sit well over the wheels. This bike makes it's own statement.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Back in August my trunk mount rack upper straps broke with my Stratus mounted doing 65 mph. When I pulled over I found my bike still strapped to the rack being dragged by the bottom 2 straps. The 2 arms supporting the bike acted as a skid plate. The only damage was a broken mirror and a bent derailer. I pulled out the derailer as best I could and have been riding it ever since. It was never a 100% so I decided it was time for a new derailer. Well hours into the exchange and I could not for the life of me get that thing adjusted. I brought it to my favorite LBS, Bicycle Rack, in Hightstown. My buddy Van took one look and new it was a bent hanger. With his magic fingers all is good again.

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About Me

Rediscovered cycling when I moved to NJ over 25 yrs ago. Discovered recumbents 14 yrs ago and haven't looked back. Getting out in the fresh air and exercising without polluting gives me great satisfaction. In 2012 I had almost as many miles on my bike as my car. My future goal is to have more miles on my bike. In addition to cycling, I enjoy camping. I am a devoted husband, father and grandfather.